Minneapolis Connects July Newsletter

Meet the Director of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs

NCR is excited to announce the hiring of the City of Minneapolis's Director of the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs, Michelle Cecilia Rivero.

Michelle brings more than 18 years of immigration law experience to the position. Her legal work has involved cases ranging from U visa and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) petitions to asylum applications and removal hearings.

Michelle has served as a longtime volunteer for the Advocates for Human Rights and the Minnesota Detention Project. She has also served as a liaison to the local immigration court and USCIS asylum office, and has worked to increase pro bono service in the immigration attorney community.

As Director of the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs, Michelle will provide guidance to elected leaders, policy makers and City staff on immigrant and refugee issues. Her office will recommend policies to the City Council, provide feedback to City departments during program development and connect residents to City resources. Read more...

Neighborhoods 2020 update

Neighborhoods 2020 work groups have been selected. The work groups will recommend policy related to the City's neighborhood organization system on program guidelines, funding structure, governance and the City of Minneapolis community engagement practices.

The work group on governance is still seeking applications from members of cultural communities to fill one of its seats. Read more and apply at Minneapolismn.gov/ncr/2020.

Ready Camp is a free 2-day training course that teaches Minneapolis residents how to be resilient, prepare for and recover from natural or human-caused disasters with little assistance for 72 hours. This course contains important information about dealing with emergencies and keeping yourself, your family and your neighbors safe until emergency services arrive.

Collaborative Safety Strategies Projects Announced

This June, the Minneapolis City Council approved funding for ten collaborative community projects that prevent violence and encourage positive, healthy public activities in four areas: Lake Street, Little Earth, Penn Avenue and Broadway Avenue.

National Night Out 2018 Registration Now Open

National Night Out is an annual nationwide event that encourages residents to get out in the community, holding block parties and getting to know their neighbors as a way to encourage crime prevention. It's a great way to promote community-police partnerships and enjoy a Minnesota summer evening surrounded by friends and family. For more information, see the Minneapolis NNO mission statement.

Public Assistance Anti-Discrimination Ordinance Update

In May 2018, enforcement began on an ordinance prohibiting discrimination in housing against renters on public assistance, including the Section 8 program. Enforcement has stopped until further notice due to a court decision. You can call the Civil Rights Department with questions at612-673-3012 or email Abdifatah Mohamed at abdifatah.mohamed@minneapolismn.gov.

New Minimum Wage In Effect

On July 1, 2018, the minimum wage in Minneapolis increased to $10.25 for small employers (100 or fewer employees) and $11.25 for large employers (over 100 employees). The minimum wage ordinance applies to anyone working in Minneapolis for at least two hours a week, and tips and gratuities do not count towards fulfilling the minimum wage. Workers are encouraged to report violationsonline to the Minneapolis Department of Civil Rights.

Welcome, Steve Gallagher!

Please join us in welcoming Steve Gallagher to the NCR team as our new Neighborhood Policy Specialist. Steve has worked with neighborhoods for 11 years through his previous position as Executive Director of Stevens Square Community Organization (SSCO). At NCR, he will be leading the Neighborhoods 2020 efforts. We hope you will join us in wishing him good luck in this new role. You can reach Steve Gallagher at 612-673-2905 and Steven.Gallagher@minneapolismn.gov.

Neighborhood Resources

Whittier BIG IDEAS Grant

The BIG IDEAS grant will provide funding of up to $4,000 for a period of up to one year to support a project or program that engages and strengthens the Whittier neighborhood in Minneapolis. Read more on the Whittier Alliance website...

Grief After Community Violence

Coping with grief, resource for survivors of community violence, including understanding grief in adults and children (SAMHSA, 2014).

Minneapolis Connects is published by the City of Minneapolis Neighborhood and Community Relations department (NCR). If you have have stories or community events that should be included in next month's edition, email rebekah.tedrick-moutz@minneapolismn.gov.

For questions, accommodations or alternative formats, please contact Neighborhood and Community Relations at 612-673-3737 or email us at ncr@minneapolismn.gov. People who are deaf or hard of hearing can use a relay service to call 311 agents at 612-673-3000. TTY users can call 612-673-2157 or 612-673-2626.